The fight to reduce the number of stray dogs and cats on Antigua’s streets has been given a major boost with the opening of a new clinic to prevent them from breeding.

The Antigua Spay and Neuter Clinic celebrated the official opening of a dedicated, purpose-built medical facility on Thursday.

The new clinic, located off Sir Vivian Richards Street in St John’s, will allow the charity to carry out procedures five days a week, instead of its previous one day a week at The Ark veterinary practice.

A joint venture with The Ark, the facility has taken two years to build and has two surgery tables, two anaesthetic machines, and eight robust holding kennels.

Since launching operations in September 2016, the charity has spayed and neutered more than 5,700 animals.

“We typically carry out 10 to 20 procedures each Wednesday. With our own building, we can now do that amount Monday to Friday each week,” the clinic’s President Rachel Wood explained.

“There are too many dogs and cats on the island and not enough homes. Reducing the number being born each day reduces the number of homes we need.

“The procedures are carried out humanely and each one we spay and neuter helps.

“We are thrilled to see the clinic finally up and running and are extremely grateful to our donors for helping us reach this point,” she added.

The Ark’s owner Dr Fiona Francis said she was keen to support the venture.

“A lot of people who come to us want their animals neutered but don’t have the funds to do so,” she said. “The clinic provides that service at a reduced rate of EC$75 and in some cases, for people who really can’t afford it, it’s free.”

Call the clinic on 788-3647 to make an appointment.